Fold down attic stairs provide convenient access to your attic without taking up space in the floor below the attic.
How install attic ladder 20 5 in opening.
Snap chalk lines onto the ceiling to represent the rough opening of the attic staircase.
Snap a chalk line between the two nails image 2.
Screws go into solid framing.
12 slip the collapsed staircase into the attic then drop it down so that it rests on the cleats.
Most full size ladders usually need an opening in the ceiling of at least 22 5 x 54.
Load capacity while gas struts ensure smooth easy door opening.
Do this on both sides image 3.
Screw temporary 1x4 cleats to ceiling at each end of the opening.
It s important to understand the opening size you have or will create to ensure you select the correct attic ladder product for your home.
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Measure 54 inches and tap the second nail next to the same joist image 1.
Lightweight aluminum construction boasts a 375 lb.
Screw the cleats to the frame joists from the room side of the opening.
Hiring an attic ladder installation service.
Make sure there s enough headroom above the attic floor so the staircase can close properly.
Using a carpenter s square line it up from the point of the nail and draw out 22 1 2 inches.
Conversely some homes have smaller openings or hatches.
Measure the rough opening in your ceiling both the width and length.
Step 1 cut out attic access opening photo by karim shamsi basha.
It also has a full length handrail for added safety.
Cut two pieces of 1 x 4 or 2 x 4 lumber long enough to span across the bottom of the opening plus a few inches.
Roughing an opening for fold down attic stairs.
Position each cleat over one end of the opening overlapping the opening by about 1 4 to 1 2 inch to create a lip for setting the ladder frame onto.
Be sure the 2 1 2 in.
In new installations a rough.
The ladder offers a universal fit for homes with ceiling heights 8 10 ft designed for attic openings 22 5 in.
Installation is simple with the easy to follow online instruction video.
These all inclusive kits make installing an attic ladder a very easy diy project for those who have the skills and a nice easy job for a contractor for those householders who don t know one end of a hammer from the other.